Review: “The Liminal Tapes” by Mercers

Forged in the fires of the imploding Nu-Metal act Fony, a new project in Post-Hardcore called Mercers was conceived in 2025 by vocalist Olly James and guitarist Phil Bashford. Their song writing partnership had already stood the test of time and wasn’t about to be broken by the split. Joined by drummer Richard Titheradge and guitarist Simon Glover they began to reshape some of their older material into the new style as they felt they were still relevant. At the same time the quartet began to write new material and this debut record features both as they continue to develop their own sonic identity. Oh and before you consult google, a Mercer is a historical trader or merchant dealing in fine textiles and fabrics like silk or cotton…

It’s the two new songs which make the first half of “The Liminal Tapes” with opening cut “Cleanse/Repeat” a eye opening affair that sets the tone not just for the record but the project itself. A stark political statement about the destruction of Gaza and the erosion of Western democracy it sits a the heavier end of Post-Hardcore with Glassjaw like riffs and melodies. The sing-a-long chorus is one that will draw a festival crowd, the fierce verses and rhythm dynamic making it that much sharper all round. Explores the intersection of mental health and free speech “New Stockholm” has the ache of early Radiohead during the verses with delicate rich melodies, the chorus stepping up the intensity to take us to the “Shape Of Punk To Come” era Refused. That quiet, quiet, loud approach is one as old as time but it works so damn well here that it makes this one shine like a diamond in the rough.

The second half of the record is made up of two reworked Fony songs and it has to be said the makeover has been accomplished in some style. “A Satire for the World” still has a couple of harsher unclean vocal moments that give it a bit more bite and there are a few Deftones inspired phrasings that make it essential listening for lovers of that “Around The Fur” style. It has a great balance between the heavier and the melodic, while warning of the potential the band have for growth. Repeating the trick as if to prove that it wasn’t a flash in the pan moment “January Zen” has some harsh unclean vocals intertwined its introspective lyrical narrative. The flow of this one is what makes it, the rise and fall of the riffs and the more expansive percussion tastefully done [7.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Cleanse/Repeat
2. New Stockholm
3. A Satire for the World
4. January Zen

“The Liminal Tapes” by Mercers is out 17th July 2026